Mentor Search
Dr. Keith Lawler
( University of Nevada, Las Vegas )
- Institution:University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Departments: Physics And Astronomy, Chemistry And Biochemistry
- Research Fields: Computational Chemistry, Condensed Matter, High Pressure
- Disciplines: Physical Sciences, Theoretical Chemistry
- Location:Clark County
- Funding:DoE - Department of Energy, EPSCoR - Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
Mentoring
Since arriving at UNLV in 2012, Dr. Lawler has been heavily involved in supervising undergraduate and graduate research in theoretical chemistry and physics. Over the past few years, he has directly supervised 3 graduate students, 2 undergraduate students, a postdoctoral scholar, as well as hosting a summer research program for a visiting high school senior. Through the joint nature of NEXCL, he has helped mentor 7 other students and postdocs, including serving on multiple committees.
Biography
My primary research interest lies in studying systems where strong electron correlation effects are the source of exotic bonding or unique properties, or where intricate changes in the bonding motif drive an observed phase change. This involves studying a system’s electronic structure; its properties, both structural and spectroscopic; and its response to external stimuli such as pressure and temperature. Understanding these electron driven properties and responses is fascinating from a scientific point of view, and it will be the key to unlocking the next generation of functional materials.